Chicago, Illinois – Residents of Chicago enjoyed a sunny Tuesday with unseasonably mild temperatures, but meteorologists are forecasting a shift to cloudy skies, cooler temperatures, and light precipitation as the holiday weekend approaches.
According to Fox Chicago, the upcoming days will bring variable conditions, including a brief warm-up, cloudy holiday weather, and a rapid drop in temperatures early next week.
Tuesday Recap: Sunshine and Warmth
Tuesday featured bright sunshine and daytime highs reaching the upper 40s to low 50s, offering a rare mild respite for late December in Chicago.
Tonight, residents can expect increasing cloud cover, with overnight lows dropping into the upper 20s to low 30s, setting the stage for a cooler but still manageable Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve Forecast: Cooler With Clouds and Drizzle
Wednesday, or Christmas Eve, will be slightly cooler than Tuesday but remain well above the seasonal average high of 34°F.
Meteorologist Emily Wahls advises residents to anticipate:
- Cloudy skies throughout the day
- Areas of drizzle
- Highs in the lower 40s
Despite the cloudiness, the day will still be mild compared to typical December temperatures in the region.
Christmas Day Outlook: Mild but Cloudy
Christmas Day is expected to remain mild for the season, although not as warm as earlier forecasts had suggested. Chicagoans should prepare for cloudy skies and highs in the low 40s, providing comfortable conditions for holiday gatherings and outdoor activities, albeit with a chance of occasional drizzle.
Weekend Weather: Showers and Mild Temperatures
Looking toward the end of the week, Friday may bring a few light showers, with temperatures warming into the upper 40s.
Saturday is expected to remain mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-40s, keeping conditions generally mild but overcast.
Rapid Temperature Drop Early Next Week
A quick temperature drop is forecast for Sunday into early next week, signaling a return to more seasonal conditions.
- Sunday: Highs around 40°F at midnight, falling into the 20s and 30s throughout the day
- Monday: High temperatures expected to remain in the lower 20s
Residents are advised to bundle up and take precautions for colder conditions, especially for those with early morning or overnight travel plans.
Travel and Holiday Safety Advisory
Meteorologists recommend that Chicago residents:
- Stay aware of changing temperatures, particularly with the Sunday-Monday drop
- Watch for light rain or drizzle on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Dress in layers and be prepared for cooler conditions later in the week
These mild but variable conditions may impact commuting, outdoor holiday activities, and travel plans in the metropolitan area.
How are you planning to spend Christmas in Chicago with the upcoming cloudy skies and drizzle? Do you have favorite holiday activities that aren’t affected by weather? Share your plans and weather tips in the comments below and join the conversation.
